Newcastle ‘hospital for handbags’ opened by award-winning North East businessman

An award-winning North East businessman opened a “hospital for handbags” on 27 November 2015 as he expands his fast-growing firm.

Ben Staerck, who was named the region’s Young Businessman of the Year at last year’s North East Business Executive of the Year Awards opened a Handbag Clinic on Newcastle’s Mosley Street.

The Burnopfield-headquartered firm – a spin-off of Mr Staerck’s restoration and leather care products business Furniture Clinic – opened its first standalone shop on London’s Kings Road earlier this year.

He said: “Our plan was always to open in Newcastle but we were waiting for the right premises to come along. We’ll be at the heart of the city’s Diamond Strip with a bigger shop than in London, allowing us to open with a new concept in Newcastle.

“This is a significant six-figure investment for us which demonstrates our confidence in Newcastle and the region as a whole.”

The firm launched Handbag Clinic to clean, repair and re-colour accessories, including handbags by some of the world’s most renowned designers. The firm has also recently started a new service to repair the red soles of Christian Louboutin shoes.

The store, next to St Nicholas Cathedral, will offer handbag repair services and will also sell vintage bags from designers such as Chanel, Mulberry and Louis Vuitton.

The store’s opening will create new jobs in the city as well as in the firm’s Burnopfield workshop, which has already taken on three new apprentices and has plans for further recruitment.

Stephen Patterson, director of communications at Newcastle’s Business Improvement District (NE1) said: “It’s always fantastic news when new shops open up in Newcastle, further improving and diversifying the city’s already impressive retail offering.

“Newcastle is now firmly positioned as a luxury destination and Handbag Clinic, which specialises in repairing designer accessories, is a perfect fit with other high-end services and experiences on offer.”

Helen Warren, property associate at Square One Law acted for Ben throughout the process carrying out due diligence on the property. Helen said: “It was a pleasure to work with Ben on the new premises and to bring the brand to Newcastle. I helped negotiate, agree and advise on the terms of the Lease and Licence for Alterations. I am looking forward to seeing the business continue to grow.”

Ben said: “I am delighted with the service I received from Square One Law. From start to finish Helen simplified the legal process, making everything clear and easy to understand. The lease was turned around very promptly which allowed us to get in and shop fit, keeping us to schedule. I look forward to working with Helen and the team again in the future.”